Local heroes slam dunk for COWs

Virginia City was hopping on May 3 with two big events. The doors opened at 3 p.m. at Virginia City High School for the first Community Heroes Dunk for COWs (Classrooms on Wheels) fundraiser.

It started with a Pledge of Allegiance performed by the talented "VC Cheer Xpress" COW Bus Cheerleaders who attend Hugh Gallagher Elementary in Virginia City. Ages ranged from 6 to 9 years, and they entertained the crowd throughout the games to the delight of the children and everyone else who attended. Their trainer is Joe Guzman.

The show began with a basketball tournament between local heroes. The Storey County Sheriff's Office vs. Lyon County Sheriff's Office played first, with Lyon County winning the game.

The next tournament was held between the Storey County Fire Department and Central Lyon County Fire Protection District, with Storey County winning.

The winning teams then played a third game for a special trophy, with the Lyon County Sheriff's Office winning again. All the players, as well as the referees, volunteered their time.

A special recognition, thanks and a trophy was awarded to the Central Lyon County fire district for raising the most money, $2,012, to benefit Lyon and Storey county preschool kids.

Besides the tournaments, there was a 50/50 raffle, food and drinks were sold, Canoli the Clown was there to blow up balloons for children of all ages and Shannon Parsons, a VCHS student, donated her time to face paint for kids, including adults. Parsons gives much of her time volunteering with Community Chest.

At the end of the event, there was sponsor recognition and a final trophy ceremony.

"I was delighted with how many turned out for this Community Chest fundraiser," said Cindy Boyd, who was in charge of the event. "There were at least 200 spectators watching the tournaments. I was so pleased it went well and that many people in the community supported this very worthwhile event. The COW bus program and its success is a dream come true for me."

The games were so successful that plans already are being talked about for a second Heroes Dunk for COWs next year. Boyd said there's also a good possibility a donkey basketball game will be held next year.

The other event, hosted by Community Chest, in partnership with Storey County Community Services Department, was Virginia City's annual community yard sale, which went on most of the day, with profits made for Global Voice, a youth leadership program offered through CCI, providing global community service learning opportunities to youth in Storey and Western Lyon counties.